Horner reveals 'eyes on stalks' moment with latest Red Bull

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has stated reserve driver Liam Lawson's eyes were left “wide open” after driving the RB17 hypercar in the simulator.

The RB17 was launched earlier this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, designed by Red Bull's chief technical officer Adrian Newey.

Only 50 cars have been produced, with a mammoth £6 million price tag slapped on the high-speed machine that can top 350kph.

Horner described the car as Newey's “utopia”, with no restrictions attached to the project - leaving it faster than an F1 car around certain race tracks.

“The RB17 will be quicker at certain circuits than a Formula 1 car, such is the level of downforce,” Horner told media including RacingNews365. 

“‘Not with me [at the wheel], but with a pro driver!

“Liam Lawson drove the car on the simulator the other day, and I think his eyes were very wide open.”

'RB17 not a collector item'

Horner explained the owners will be provided with a package that sees Red Bull look after the car when it is not running on a track.

“This car is about the experience, we don't want these cars just to sit in collector museums,” he said. 

“Part of the ownership of these cars is going to be doing track days, seeing them run out on the circuits, getting them out there. 

“They're designed to be run, they're designed to be driven and we want to see them running at different circuits around the world.

“We'll provide a complete bespoke service if the owner wants to. It's like leaving a racehorse in training. 

“We can look after the car, maintain the car, deliver it to the circuit, the owner turns up and enjoys hopefully a great day with some other drivers.”